Exhausted – The New Surname in Town
Alessandra Neves
Multicultural People & Culture Leader | Fractional CHRO | Mental Health & Conflict Management Specialist | Speaker & Cinema Enthusiast | Empowering people to master their emotions and create a kinder world.
My name is Alessandra Neves Tired.
Recently, in an informal conversation with an HR lead, we were exchanging thoughts on mental health in the workplace when she mentioned something striking: everyone seems exhausted.
Unsurprisingly, on the other side of the world, where I live, I see the same pattern. Every time I ask people, "How are you?", here are the most common responses:
?? Tired (50%)
?? I’m fine, busy, busy, busy... and tired (25%)
?? I can’t complain... but I’d love a vacation right now (15%)
?? I’m fine (10%) – (usually followed by silence, sometimes an awkward one!)
Lately, I feel like every time I meet someone new, I might as well hear:
?? "Hello, I’m Peter Smith Tired! Nice to meet you."
Yes, Tired/Exhausted/Worn Out are the new surnames in town. Just as first names go in and out of fashion, we are now experiencing a surname trend—one that reflects our collective state of being.
But wait… isn’t vacation the solution? ??
Apparently not. How often do we come back from a break only to feel drained again within two hours of working?
To make things even more challenging, the HR lead I spoke to expressed a growing concern among employees: the struggle to find balance between work and life.
Here’s the catch… ??
There is no more “between life and work.” They are intertwined.
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And here’s another catch: when we finally get a moment to relax—let’s say, after a long day at the office—we sit on the couch, and suddenly, our mind starts wondering:
?? I need to read that article I saved for tonight.
?? I need to reply to 155 WhatsApp messages.
?? Oh, let me scroll on Instagram for a bit to unwind… Wait, everyone’s meditating! I need to meditate before bed!
?? Ah! I was supposed to work out today…
And so it goes. No rest. Not even in the so-called sanctuary of our home.
Where is this endless race taking us? ??♀???♂?
If we’re running at 100m sprint speed in an endless marathon, when exactly do we expect to reach the finish line?
If work-life integration means that we are constantly connected—checking emails, worrying about deadlines—and if our “rest time” is filled with even more things we must do…
When does the actual break happen?
The break will come. But sometimes, it arrives unexpectedly—through burnout, illness, or a breakdown.
Let’s take it step by step… ??
If we can’t escape the craziness of modern life, we can at least take rest seriously.
??♂? Rest is NOT filling your time with activities. ?? Rest is just rest. Doing nothing with a result in mind.
Sounds hard to imagine, right? But today, it’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Don’t be another Mr. Peter Smith Tired. It’s time to reclaim our energy. ?
Certified Executive Coach | Advisor for Entrepreneurs | Mentor for Female Leaders and HR Leaders | Change Management Expert | Helping people and companies navigate growth with curiosity
5 天前I know this cute little town ??. And yes, I always wonder—does saying "I'm tired" or "I'm busy" give people a sense of power or validation? Of course, most people are tired, but is that really the most meaningful thing to say about yourself in a first interaction? Are we subconsciously waiting for a badge of honor? In my humble opinion, interesting people use their precious opportunity to say something constructive and impactful, regardless of how tired they are.
LinkedIn Top Voice | Career Mentor & Executive Coach | International Recruiter | Founder of CORE | Personal Brand & Outplacement | Connecting People & Opportunities Worldwide | Changing lives in 20+ Countries ??
3 周Thank you for sharing, Alessandra. Being an entrepreneur is exhausting, and I often feel drained. But I’ve learned how crucial it is to give my mind a break. For instance, I’m almost cutting WhatsApp out of my daily routine, and at night, I avoid reading anything too serious. Prioritizing rest is essential!